Jon Pearce: A busy week in Westminster, championing High Peak

It has been another busy week, with opportunities to champion High Peak’s farmers, push for better rights for working families and secure action to tackle the growing threat of wildfires.

On Tuesday, I met with local farmers and the National Farmers’ Union in Westminster to discuss the challenges facing our farming communities.

A key part of our discussion was preventing and tackling wildfires, and how we can better prepare for the impact of a changing climate on farming. We also discussed concerns over the management of the latest round of Sustainable Farming Incentive applications and the potential impact of the carbon border adjustment mechanism on fertiliser. I will continue to make sure ministers hear directly from farmers about the issues affecting them.

Wildfires remained high on my agenda throughout the week. Following months of campaigning after the devastating Tintwistle Moor fire, I attended the Government’s Wildfire Resilience Summit on Friday to push for lasting change.

High Peak has seen first-hand the destruction wildfires can cause, from damage to our precious moorland to disruption for local communities and the dangers faced by those tackling the flames.

I was pleased to see commitments including up to £45 million for specialist wildfire teams and lightweight protective equipment for firefighters, aerial firefighting support from RAF helicopters and aircraft, and a new Wildfire Action Plan to improve prevention, preparedness and response. There will also be investment in peatland restoration and support for farmers to reduce fire risks.

These are important steps forward, but we must turn commitments into action before next summer. Preventing fires before they start is just as important as tackling them once they take hold, including addressing the risks posed by disposable barbecues. I also want to thank the firefighters, farmers, gamekeepers, mountain rescue teams, emergency services and volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect our communities this summer.

In Parliament, I also spoke following the publication of Sir David Bell’s review into antisemitism in schools and colleges. Antisemitism is abhorrent and must never be tolerated. We must challenge prejudice wherever it appears and ensure young people have the education and support they need to create safe, inclusive schools.

I also co-hosted a roundtable on paternity leave with the Dad Shift campaign, leading employers including M&S, Lego and Tesco, and trade union USDAW. As a dad of three girls, I know how important those early days with a new baby are. I have experienced the difficulties of balancing work and family life, which is why I am campaigning for better paternity rights so families can spend more time together without unnecessary financial pressure.

On Saturday, I was back in High Peak for a coffee morning in Edale. It was lovely to meet residents, catch up with people locally and hear about the issues that matter to them. These conversations are an important part of representing our communities and understanding where I can help.

Since my election, my local team and I have now closed over 43,000 cases, helping residents with a wide range of problems and concerns. I am proud of the work the team continues to do to support people across High Peak.